If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the cheesy ground beef rice casserole recipe! This dish is a staple in my kitchen, combining hearty flavors with a simplicity that makes it perfect for busy weeknights. The moment it comes out of the oven, the smell of melted cheese and savory beef fills the air, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy. I love how it brings everyone together around the dinner table, and it’s such a hit with my family. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for those nights when you need something warm and satisfying!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy ground beef rice casserole recipe. I promise it’s all simple stuff you can find easily!
- 1 pound ground beef (make sure it’s nice and lean for the best flavor)
- 1 cup uncooked rice (I usually go for long-grain, but you do you!)
- 2 cups beef broth (this adds so much depth—don’t skimp on it!)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz, just grab the one with no added sugar)
- 1 cup packed shredded cheddar cheese (because we want it *extra* cheesy!)
- 1 onion, chopped (a medium onion works great)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, but I won’t judge if you use jarred!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (you can adjust this based on your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you have it!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a lovely warmth and color)
That’s it! These ingredients come together to create a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
Making this cheesy ground beef rice casserole is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every delicious step!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly, so don’t skip this step!
Brown the Beef
Next, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the pound of ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Ooh, that aroma is heavenly! Once done, be sure to drain any excess fat to keep it from getting greasy.
Combine the Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring it all together! To the skillet, add the uncooked rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want every grain of rice to soak up those yummy flavors!
Bake the Casserole
Transfer your hearty mixture to a baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the packed cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. I can already taste it!
Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait! You can garnish it with some fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch. Now, dig in and enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, knowing the nutritional breakdown can be super helpful! Here’s an estimated look at what you’re getting in each serving of this cheesy ground beef rice casserole recipe:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes. So, enjoy this hearty casserole guilt-free, knowing it’s packed with protein and flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
- It’s a one-dish wonder—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a million pots to wash!
- Super simple to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Trust me, you can do this!
- Full of flavor! The combination of ground beef, cheese, and spices creates a dish that’s hard to resist.
- Customizable! You can easily throw in your favorite veggies or switch up the spices to make it your own.
- Great for meal prep! This casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it perfect for leftovers.
- It’s gluten-free, so it can be enjoyed by a wider range of diets without sacrificing taste.
- The gooey melted cheese on top is just the cherry on top of this delicious dish!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your cheesy ground beef rice casserole turns out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my best tips to help you nail it every time!
- Use lean ground beef: Opt for leaner cuts to avoid excess grease. This keeps your casserole hearty but not too heavy!
- Don’t skip the browning: Browning the beef with the onions and garlic not only adds flavor but also helps to build a base that makes the dish extra delicious. Remember, that aroma is part of the magic!
- Let it rest: After baking, allowing the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes helps it set up a bit. This makes serving easier and keeps it from falling apart on your plate.
- Experiment with rice: While I love long-grain rice, you can try brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition—just be sure to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook through.
- Add veggies: Sneak in some chopped bell peppers, peas, or corn for extra nutrition and color! It’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.
- Cheese choices: Feel free to mix it up with different types of cheese! Pepper jack adds a nice kick, or you could even try mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Leftover magic: This casserole is even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat it gently in the oven or microwave.
With these tips, you’re on your way to creating a casserole that’s not just good, but downright fantastic! Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Variations on the Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re like me and love to get creative in the kitchen, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are so many fun ways to switch up this cheesy ground beef rice casserole recipe! Here are some delicious variations that can give your dish a new twist:
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a spicy version that’ll warm you right up!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano for an aromatic boost. Dried herbs work too—just remember to use less since they’re more concentrated.
- Vegetable Medley: Mix in some frozen peas, chopped bell peppers, or corn for a pop of color and added nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in those veggies!
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap out the diced tomatoes for a can of black beans and add some taco seasoning. Top it with some avocado or salsa for a fresh finish!
- Swapping Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses! Try pepper jack for a little heat, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a gooey texture.
- BBQ Flavor: Drizzle some BBQ sauce into the mix before baking for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the beef and cheese.
- Meat Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can even use sausage for a richer flavor profile!
With these variations, you can enjoy a different take on this comforting casserole each time you make it. So go ahead, mix it up, and have fun with those flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious cheesy ground beef rice casserole and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat it so it stays just as tasty as when it first came out of the oven.
First off, let the casserole cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it soggy. Once it’s cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep the flavors locked in beautifully. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the freezer. It’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), and then cover the casserole with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you want that cheese to get all melty again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking. Yum!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave. Just scoop out a portion into a microwave-safe dish, cover it (a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel works well), and heat it on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. It’s quick, but just know that the oven method really brings back that fresh-baked taste!
Now you can enjoy your savory casserole again without a hitch. Happy reheating!
Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole Recipe: 7 Joyful Bites
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty cheesy ground beef rice casserole recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add rice, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and paprika to the skillet.
- Stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more nutrition.
- Use brown rice for a healthier option; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesy ground beef rice casserole recipe